, and demanded of the darkeys if any d----d Yankees had
been about there lately. The darkeys replied very evasively; would not
say a word that would injure the cause of the Union forces; denied all
knowledge of them or their whereabouts. There were some two or three
hundred fat sheep on the farm, and a good lot of cattle. I suggested
the propriety of driving them within our lines, but was astonished
when the Major told me it was "against orders" to do so. All the males
of the family who owned the negroes and _other cattle_ were in the
rebel army--the master and two sons. While talking there, we heard
firing, and so started for the fun, and soon came upon some of the
"gentry," yclept "butternuts." The Major had about twelve men in the
lead; a few others, with the colors, remaining a quarter of a mile to
the rear--the _regiment_ a mile in rear of the advance. When we
arrived at what is known as Tippets's farm, the rebels, who were
sheltered by Wilson's house, poured a volley down the road, and
without inquiring the cause of such unkind treatment, on their part,
this "individual" _retired_ some twenty yards. I have before heard the
sound of the Enfield-rifle ball, and have heard many persons say, 'tis
"quite musical;" but "_I can't see it_." The boys advanced in the most
daring manner on the open road, while the _valiant_ and "_noble
chivalry_" of Alabama kept continually retreating. In order to obtain
a better view of the fight, and watch the maneuvers of the combatants,
I went upon the side-hill of an open field to the left of the road,
and while quietly looking on, three rebs came out from behind Wilson's
house, and, without as much as saying, "By your leave," they blazed
away at me. Isn't it a shame that these fellows should act so? Why,
they "_busted_ the Constitution all to the devil," in firing at _me_.
The Major kindly rode up and told me, in his usual bland and benign
style, that I was a d----n fool; that "them fellers was a-shootin' at
me." I merely replied that I guessed he was mistaken, as I saw the
bullets _plowing_ the field some twenty yards in front of me. While
this conversation was going on between the Major and myself, the
rebels reloaded their guns and gave us another trial of their skill,
and settled the dispute at once, as I had asseverated; their bullets
would not reach that distance. The Major was right, for a little while
the nastiest shriek I ever heard came from that volley. The Major's
horse didn